The Belle of St. Petersburg •The Tudors

chapter •the rules

...

"He is a beautiful boy." Anastasia tells Olga as she holds Peter in their rooms. After the introductions, Anastasia sat with Olga in her new chamber. Olga sat back in the chair and her smiles land of her son.

"He is. Just like his father." Olga says loudly. Anastasia looks up at her sister with a warning look and looks around to the two maids that had been newly appointed to serve Olga.

"Vy dolzhny posmotret', chto vy govorite zdes'. V sude yest' shpiony, i ya ne khochu ot vas nikakikh nepriyatnostey." (You must watch what you say around here. There are spies in the court and I don't want any trouble from you.) Anastasia warns. Olga only rolls her eyes.

"Izbav' menya ot lektsii, sestra. Otets uzhe skazal mne." (Spare me the lecture, sister. Father has already told me.) Olga waves away. Anastasia just stares at her before motioning a maid to take Peter. Olga protested as the maid and all the others left with Peter and closed the door.

"Now I am telling you." Anastasia says sternly. "There are rules you must abide if you want to stay here with your son. People at court have been informed that Peter is your husband's son."

"Why?"

"To protect your reputation. And I will also have a few ladies to serve you, Maria shall be among them."

"Are you spying on me now?" Olga asked bitterly.

"Yes, but also to make sure you are in place. You mustn't tell a soul about your son's true father, and you mustn't cause trouble. You are here to be straightened out." Anastasia says. Olga stays silent, not even a peep. Anastasia relaxes and sighs.

"Don't think of this as a punishment, but don't think of this as paradise either. I can tell you that you will not be seeing your husband anytime soon."

"Then that is paradise to me, hopefully he'll croak while I am still young enough to bear more children. Crude old man." Olga says about her husband. Anastasia couldn't help but let out a laugh at the way she spoke.

"If he were to pass while you are here with me, Father has given me permission to marry you off to someone."

"Really? Anyone?" Olga says happily. Anastasia lost her smile, knowing well who she really wants.

"Olga, I can't allow you to marry Ivan." Anastasia says, making Olga lose her bright smile. "The last time I have heard about him, he was to marry the youngest daughter of Count Konstantin."

"That child?! She's too small to even be able to carry a child inside her without snapping from the pressure. Besides, he shall never marry her." Olga snaps, crossing her arms. Anastasia placed at hand on Olga's and squeezed it.

"That is not your decision." Before Olga could say a word, Kathleen walked in and bows. Olga walks away in angry.

"Your Majesty, Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth are here." She announces. Anastasia nods at Kathleen.

"Let them in." Kathleen bows and leaves. Anastasia stands carefully, with the help of Olga. Mary and Elizabeth walk in and bow.

"Your Majesty, Your Imperial Highness." Mary greets to her step-mother and Olga. Anastasia held her arms out for them. Elizabeth rushes in to hug her.

"I'm glad you're here." Anastasia says. "Please sit down with us."

Anastasia sits down gently. Mary and Elizabeth sat down across from them.

"We had just returned from seeing Margaret and came to see how you are." Elizabeth says.

"I am very well, Lizzie. How are you, girls?" Anastasia asks.

"We are fine, thank you. We pray every night for you and hope we have brothers." Mary says. Anastasia thanks them and rubs her belly. Mary looks at Olga and nods.

"Your Highness, I hope you have everything you need. I shall be happy to help in any way." Mary offers.

"I must go see to Peter." Olga says. She stands up and turns to Anastasia and bows mockingly. "Your Majesty." She leaves the room. Mary looks at Anastasia with a worrying face.

"Did I say something wrong?" Mary asks. Anastasia shakes her head no.

"No, my dear. That's just how she is, don't take it to heart."

"Alright." Mary says.

Anastasia gives her an encouraging smile, showing that it was alright. Mary smiles back and all three spend their time together.